Honest notes from people who live here.
Driving, weather, food, and what's actually open. Written by the team that runs the four hotels — and re-checked when conditions change.
Saxhóll Crater: A 5-Minute Stairway Climb Up a Volcano in Snæfellsjökull National Park
Climb a metal staircase to the rim of Saxhóll, a red scoria crater in Snæfellsjökull National Park, for sweeping lava-field and coastal…
Why Iceland humbles travelers
From the moment you step off the plane into Iceland’s crisp air, you’re reminded of nature’s power—towering glaciers, thunderous waterfalls and windswept…
Do you need cash in Iceland?
Discover the freedom of exploring Westfjords & West Iceland without the burden of a bulky wallet—most places accept contactless cards, from gas…
Why moss is protected
Discover the vibrant green carpets of moss that cloak the lava fields and hillsides of Iceland’s Westfjords and West Iceland—fragile ecosystems that…
Tangagata: Ísafjörður’s Oldest Street and Its Timber Houses
Walk Tangagata and the Neðstikaupstaður harbour district in Ísafjörður to see Iceland's oldest timber houses, some from the 1700s. A free, self-guided…
Adapters and electricity in Iceland
Keep your devices powered throughout your Westfjords & West Iceland adventure with the right gear—Type C/F adapters, a multi-USB charger, power bank…
Tipping and paying in Ísafjörður: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful
Discover hassle-free payments in Ísafjörður—tap your contactless card at cafés, shops and tours, or keep small króna bills handy for remote farm…
Glacier walk reality check: why crevasse maps matter and when you need a guide
Discover West Iceland’s glaciers safely: learn why crevasse maps are a must, when to hire a professional guide, and what gear you…
Best Nature Destinations Near Ísafjörður
Discover the Westfjords’ untamed beauty from the charming town of Ísafjörður. Base yourself at the cozy Ísafjörður Inn (part of Ourhotels.is) and…
Why Small Town Iceland Offers the Best Travel Experience
Discover the true heart of Iceland by swapping its busy cities for quaint fishing villages and hilltop inns. Here, you’ll chat with…
Why small museums matter
Discover Westfjords and West Iceland’s hidden treasures in intimate, local-run museums—from ancestral fishing tools in Ísafjörður to volcanic-inspired art near Borgarnes. Enjoy…
Ísafjörður Swimming Pool: The Town’s Geothermal Pool a Short Walk Away
Ísafjörður's geothermal pool, Sundhöll Ísafjarðar, is a short walk from town with hot pots and a sauna. A practical guide to Iceland's…
Tipping and paying in Akureyri: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful
Discover how easy it is to pay in Akureyri—from tapping your Visa or Mastercard almost anywhere to knowing when to carry a…
Why Iceland suits thoughtful travelers
Discover Iceland at a gentle pace: wander silent fjords, soak in secluded hot springs beneath dancing skies, and explore charming coastal villages…
Tipping and paying in Keflavík Airport: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful
Arriving at Keflavík International Airport is a breeze—major cards, contactless and mobile payments are accepted everywhere, and you can even opt to…
Tipping culture in Iceland explained
Discover the stress-free way to enjoy Iceland’s breathtaking beauty: tipping isn’t expected—service is already included and workers earn fair wages—yet small “takk”s…
Why sunny days feel extra special
There’s nothing quite like waking up to clear skies and golden light dancing across fjords and lava fields in Westfjords & West…
A realistic ‘plan B’ day in Keflavík Airport when wind shuts down your original itinerary
Grounded by wind gusts at Keflavík? Don’t let a delay derail your day—turn it into an Icelandic adventure. Start with a cozy…
VAT refund strategy for shopping in Akureyri: receipts, minimums, and departure-day timing
Maximize your savings on Icelandic souvenirs with an easy 11% VAT refund: shop items over ISK 6,000, keep “Tax Free” receipts, and…
Parking rules in Icelandic towns
Make parking in Iceland’s most charming towns a breeze with Ourhotels.is. Whether you’re navigating Borgarnes’ blue-zone meters, Stykkishólmur’s harbor-front free spots, or…
How to handle pool etiquette at a local pool in Þórsmörk: showers, rules, and unspoken norms
After a day hiking Þórsmörk’s dramatic canyons and lush valleys, there’s no better way to unwind than soaking in the community’s geothermal…
Tipping and paying in Keflavík Airport: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful
Arrive at Keflavík Airport with confidence: credit and contactless payments are accepted everywhere, you can easily round up on terminals to tip…
Pool = social hub: how locals use pools and how to blend in naturally
Discover Iceland’s geothermal pools as more than just swim spots—they’re year-round social hubs where locals unwind, chat, and forge friendships against stunning…
Why Iceland has so many waterfalls
Discover Iceland’s 10,000-plus waterfalls as you journey through Westfjords and West Iceland—where crystal streams tumble from lava fields at Hraunfossar, the Golden…